8.05.08 Solar Sailor subsidiary wins second US Navy grant for Unmanned Ocean Vehicles
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January 08 Solar Sailor featured on CNN
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SBS TV AUSTRALIA, WORLD NEWS | 10 March 2008
Hybrid cars are becoming commonplace, but what about environmentally friendly water transport? Well, Sydney Harbour has the 'Solar Sailor' - the world's first renewable energy hybrid ferry. Evidence suggests that greenhouse gas pollution from shipping could be much worse than previously believed. The 'Solar Sailor's creator is hoping it can provide some solutions. The inspirational idea of a NSW doctor could transform the shipping industry. Robert Dane believed his solar-powered boat design had the potential to change the world. So he sold his medical practice to follow his dream.
ROBERT DANE, 'SOLAR SAILOR' CEO: When we started in 1999 the price of oil was US$10 a barrel. Now the economics are such that there are ideas all around the world for using wind power and using other forms of energy to power commercial shipping.
The support of a well-connected chairman has helped to turn a bright idea into a commercially viable operation.
BOB HAWKE, 'SOLAR SAILOR' CHAIRMAN: Well, I believe that there are great opportunities to build this into a very significant business which can do two beautiful things - be good for the environment and make money.
The 'Solar Sailor' doesn't just use the panels for solar power, it also uses them as sails. The wings can be moved and tilted to catch as much sun and wind as possible. The development of an alternative fuel source could become a major issue for shipping. New research shows that greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry could be double that of aviation. If nothing is done to come up with cleaner ways to power ships then the emissions from the maritime industry could balloon by 75% by 2020. Marine environmentalists believe the industry is open to new technologies.
MICHAEL ALEXANDER, AUSMEPA CHAIRMAN: In time, the technology might improve to help larger vessels, but certainly by using solar power and therefore removing the concerns of greenhouse gases that come from the engines of ships - this is a great bonus to the marine environment.
New solar ferries are in the pipeline for San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Europe.
ROBERT DANE: Everybody is looking at this sort of technology, and if you wanted a new ferry service what sort of ferries would you run. And the sort of ferries you would want would be reliable and efficient and green ferries.
Solar-powered boats could become the shipping choice of the future, revolutionising sea transport.
Emma Hannigan, World News Australia.
